Shelton Browder began traditional blacksmithing in 1980 after realizing that not everyone is capable of a desk-bound career. He began teaching himself to do traditional forge work in 1980, moved to New Bern, NC, in 1985 and established a blacksmith program at Tryon Palace, an 18th century historic site. In 1993, he began work in the public blacksmith shop at Colonial Williamsburg where he earned his journeyman papers under Master Blacksmith Peter Ross. After retiring in 2011, Shel began his own business, reproducing a variety of 17th and 18th century iron objects for individuals and museums. He teaches and demonstrates several times a year in various parts of the U.S.

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